"An International Call to Respect the Rights of Residents of Kawasi Village in Indonesia", Earthworks, 20 August 2025

These organizations [...] are also concerned by multiple flooding events worsened or caused by mining infrastructure failings, and deforestation linked to mining. Residents also report intimidation of a community leader who is calling on the company to do more to address the harms.

Residents say the company must respect their right to clean water and safe living conditions. Today, more than a dozen organizations are joining their call for Harita to take immediate action to address harms and ensure transparency.

The facility was recently audited against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) standard. [...] Today, residents and allied organizations are highlighting the immediate importance of transparency and accountability to communities.

The flooding events in Kawasi Village include a June 13, 2025 breach of sediment ponds holding water and mine waste. Community [...] reported the partial collapse of the interior sediment pond wall in two places. Overflow from the sediment pond flooded people’s crops and homes, damaging belongings and harming water sources.

[...] Breaches can pose a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of residents.

According to reporting from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project and the Gecko Project, the company constructed the sediment ponds in an attempt to control the persistently high levels of the carcinogenic chemical, chromium-6, in water originating from mining operations, which was also showing up in the drinking water in Kawasi Village. Reporting also shows that the ponds did not successfully reduce the levels of chromium-6 in water originating from mining operations as intended. 

Residents also report feeling intimidated and pressured by the company during negotiations related to relocation, which many residents of Kawasi Village oppose outright. According to residents, the company’s practice of partnering with the Indonesian security forces, as well as the use of private security during land relocation negotiations, generates undue pressure on them to leave Kawasi Village.